Comments on: Can Alex Semin Score 40 Goals Again in 2010-11?

By: 28ISGREAT

28ISGREAT — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:41:11 +0000

@Iwatsu19 – Its hard to say, being a huge Semin fan, but I have to agree with alot of what you’re saying. The cap hit is really the problem here – not the player.

The rationale for parting ways with Semin would have to be that you have a strong (or potentially strong) talent in the ranks to replace him on the second line and the PP unit. I just don’t see the Caps being able to acquire a player that is as versatile or effective within the current system.

The hope would have to be that one of the younger players (either current Bears or perhaps the newest Russian additions) are able to step up their game and essentially become the next Semin, but 5 years younger. The rationale could be that these players can “up” their games simply by playing with Ovechkin – the whole “playing with greatness breeds greatness” idea.

Either way, thats a risky proposition with no clear guarantee for success.

The flipside of course is that you have a proven talent in Semin, which if your risk adverse counsels in favor of taking the cap hit and hoping that some of the younger players will stay on board just for the opportunity to be a part of the team and to play with guys like Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin and Green.

By: Peter Hassett

Peter Hassett — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:35:53 +0000

“that creepy ginger Fleischmann”

mcawful wins again

By: Pat

Pat — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 03:04:54 +0000

As good as Semin is, we really won’t be able to afford him for more than 3 years…… We HAVE to win the cup this year, or else it’ll become too difficult to keep our core together!

By: Hale

Hale — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:30:38 +0000

I’m likin’ his Clint Eastwood expression in that picture. I’m feelin’ lucky. Now, make my day! Make the season! Take it too ‘em! This is it!

By: Iwatsu19

Iwatsu19 — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:30:33 +0000

Semin shouldn’t be signed to anything more than a three year contract. While his talent is unquestionable, it’s his cap number that worries me the most. With both Ovie and Backstrom locked up long term at close to 16-17mil add Green at another 5 and change, that’s 21 to 22 mil tied up in three players. take into consideration that Carlson and Alzner are going to be RFA’s in the next year or two, both will command hefty raises, speculating 3 to 4 mil annually. That will push the cap number close to 30 mil and adding Semin at 5 to 6mil or possibly higher and the Caps will be rapidly approaching 40 mil on just a six players. This will make it harder to keep the other youngsters and role players. I hate to see Semin go but, it maybe the best move for GMGM and the Caps future.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 23:23:35 +0000

Neddo, let’s look at those faulty assumptions.
1. Selfish? Hardly. He’s had more assists (45 and 44) than goals (34 and 40) each of the last 2 seasons.
2. Too many stick penalties? He had 84 PIM’s in 73 games last season – 42 penalties. In 6 games, he had multiple penalties. In over half his games, he didn’t have a SINGLE penalty. On top of that, only Perrault drew more penalties – so it balances out.
3. Physical play? 28ISGREAT addressed it perfectly.
4. Playoffs? He led the team in shots and creating scoring chances – with a ineffective center and a winger not playing his position. If Laich had done his job and gotten to the front of the net (whether on ES or PP) Semin would likely have had a number of goals. In 2009, he had 5 goals and 9 assists in 14 games. In 2008, he had 3 goals and 5 assists in 7 games. How is that not helpful?

By: 28ISGREAT

28ISGREAT — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:21:21 +0000

@Neddo – He’s not selfish at all actually – he has 44 assists last season. And likely would have had even more if he had stayed on the 1st line. Not sure where you’re pulling that accusation from.

As for not fighting in corners or otherwise playing physical, its never been his style of play – and never will. I love hearing these kinds of criticisms – it exposes the people who actually “know” hockey from the people who think board checks and physicality are the only ways to assess a player’s ability.

And as for “not being helpful in the playoffs” – well by that standard, neither was Green. Trade him too?

By: Neddo

Neddo — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 20:38:25 +0000

Trade Sasha. He is a selfish player with a great shot. He takes way too many stick penalties. It’s beneath him to go into the corners, fight for a puck, and set up his teammates. For this reasons, he has not been particularly helpful in the playoffs.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:51:43 +0000

Absolutely do not trade Semin! He is an asset to the team and it would be a big mistake to trade him. If he keeps a positive attitude he will make or exceed 40 goals!

By: mcawful

mcawful — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:35:28 +0000

I agree that health is a huge factor, but if Semin can keep his wrists from becoming the bloody stumps they were last year, I think he’s laughin’. He’s only 26 and he still has regenerative tissue – it’s not like he’s Sami Salo, which is like watching Weekend at Bernie’s on ice.

I think that 2010/2011 being a contract year is not as motivating a factor as it should be for that sassy son of a bitch. However, I think the personal disappointment of last year (Olympics, IIHF WC, and playoffs) will be enough motivation to push 40; not that he needs it. Also, he’s lucky enough to share the ice with God’s Gift to Hockey, that creepy ginger Fleischmann. If Flash’s agent is correct, we should be looking at a 2100-goal season between the two.